It disturbs me to see the statistics on how few college graduates are able to find work in their chosen profession these days. Many of my friends have children living at home after college, working part-time or temporary jobs that don’t allow them to support themselves. So maybe the answer for some of these young people is to become an entrepreneur and create their own job! I see this happening more and more in the travel industry. Everyone’s vision of a “travel agent” is ME…the middle-aged dinosaur who has been working booking travel in various scenarios for 20-30 years…but that is changing rapidly! We are not “order-takers” any longer, but have to also excel at marketing, social media, contract negotiation, advertising, website development, writing skills, sales and human resources (if we have others working for us). I don’t know about you, but I tend to become overwhelmed by all of the new technology that twenty-somethings can’t live without! So how do we get the message out to the “millennials” that the Travel Industry offers an amazing opportunity for growth and success?
We have all seen the headlines and read about the demise of the travel agent. Even President Obama proclaimed us “extinct”. Online booking agencies like Travelocity and Expedia, booking online directly with suppliers and now Groupon and even Amazon entering the market big time, all appear to have replaced the need for the travel advisor. But was this death notice posted prematurely? And maybe..just maybe…is the career choice of travel professional one of today’s best kept secrets?
1. You set your own schedule and hours and mostly work from home, Starbucks, the library or anywhere that has a great internet connection.
2. It doesn’t cost a lot to get in to the profession, although it definitely helps to enroll in a well-respected training program and network with others who are joining you on your journey. There is a lot of online training available and even annual events like the Young Travel Leaders Conference, held in conjunction with the Luxury Travel Exchange.
3. You are your own boss! However, that means you are also responsible for your own success, and success doesn’t come from playing video games all day instead of working on a marketing plan. You must be motivated!
4. It’s a “fun” profession to be a part of! Although I work ridiculous hours and spend a lot of time hand-holding my clients, negotiating with suppliers, training and researching options tirelessly online, the outcome is a fun and happy one….Most of my clients are excited about their upcoming travel plans and I get as excited as they do just talking about it!
5. As you grow in the business, it becomes super important to know what you are selling. There are lots of opportunities for your own educational travel provided by travel suppliers. For example, I just returned from a 3-day blitz of three Sandals/Beaches properties where we were given the opportunity to tour the resorts, eat in the restaurants, walk through the rooms, meet with management and receive great marketing/sales support so we can better recommend these properties to our clients. These trips can be fast-paced and hard-work, but you are working in some of the most beautiful places in the world! Not too shabby!
Do you know of a young go-getter who might be a great fit for this type of career? Or, are youlooking for a career change yourself? I would be happy to speak with any of you, or anyone you might refer, about the wonderful opportunities that the travel industry can offer. Maybe the upcoming New Year is the perfect time to make the commitment to up-leveling your life….I would consider it an honor to be of service in helping you create your own BEST JOB IN THE WORLD! I sure love mine!
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